We went to the local grocer and purchased a potted hyacinth plant, which contained 3 bulbs that had bloomed ($7.00) and a bouquet of mixed spring stems ($7.00).

Project 1Bouquets for Ladies Tea

Take time to relax and catch up with close friends this spring. Invite over your closest friends, your siblings, your in-laws, whoever – and make them feel right welcomed and cherished with a personalized bouquet.

We wanted these bouquets to be multi-purpose so we grabbed our 1 Liter Carafes to hold the stems.

We also found some ribbon (reused from a potpourri bag) to hold name tags on to the vases. The name tags were cut out of brown paper bags (which were free from the grocer’s check-out).

To make the tags we first sketched out a tag shape (download a printable tag of your own here). We cut through both sides of the bag, giving us two tag shapes each. We did this so we could write little notes on the inside of the tag. Write their names on the outside and a cute note on the inside, hole punch and attach to the carafe.

Project 2Rustic Charm

We chose a collection of 4 bud vases in various heights. We picked out three rather tall stems from the bouquet and one that was shorter and fuller.

For the fuller stem we needed to remove some of the lower leaves and growth, but saved them for another small project.

By using an earthy color palette and not following standard floral arrangement rules, we create an interesting, minimal and rustic look. This would look great next to a tub full of sodas in glass bottles or a buffet table of desserts.

Project 3Big Charm in Small Places

If you have minimal counter space and you still want to add pops of nature to the display this idea is for you.

We have been saving used candle jars for just such an occasion. Remember those trimmings we saved from Project 2? Here’s where they’ll come in handy. Using short stems of filler and leaves and rocks, create small vignettes in miniature jars. These will look perfect among food displays or next to beverage stations. Inter-mix them with candles for a romantic effect.

Project 4Lofty Sunnies

Sunflowers can make a big impact with their height. Don’t worry though, if you don’t have a tall vase to put them in. We chose 3 pieces of tall and skinny beverageware, our Soho Collection. You could also use our 4” or 6” Kendl Tapered Vases.

We used what is called “cullet” from our factory, but you can pick up a similar looking product in the floral section. You could also use tiny seed beads from the craft isle.

First, we filled the glasses/vases with the filler/cullet.
Then, we pushed the sunflower stems down into the material. This makes a snug fit around the flower and holds it upright.

Align them down the center of a table or on a shelf for a modern touch and new sense of visual height.

Project 5Ditch the Plastic

We bought those hyacinths, remember? We decided we didn’t like that pot they were in, and we weren’t ready to plant them in the garden just yet. So, we temporarily transplanted them into pieces of beverageware that we’ve been collecting.

Maybe you have some collections of vintage glassware or some pieces that no longer have match. Use these pieces of glass to create an interesting display that kicks those hyacinths up a notch.

Display them while you have guests over and after the party you can plant them in the ground.

**Don’t forget, that once the flowers turn brown, you can dig up that bulb, store it in a brown paper bag and replant next year.

Project 6Housewarming Gift

Do you know someone who just settled into their new home?
Maybe a newlywed couple?

Instead of flowers, opt for kitchen gadgetry!

Whether they’ve registered for gifts or you know what they’re in need of, use a collection of items to create a lovely display.

Vase too tall? Purchase some fabric napkins in their favorite color(s), roll them up and use as a base for you gadget bouquet.

I am a young married person, who rarely finds time to cook. My cupboard somtimes contains the staples for baking needs and seasoning. I always keep things like Ramen Noodles and PB & J supplies handy.

When I do actually try to cook, I try to make things too complicated, in an endless attempt to impress the guests. Sometimes, this concept flops leaving me to call the nearest takeout restaraunt availble.

While talking to a friend about favorite dishes, I came to a realization last weekend. I have never made a meatloaf.

The meatloaf seems to be a food that almost every woman in my family makes. It makes many servings so you can reheat it all week. Meatloaf tastes great left over, and you can put just about anything in it. So with all of these positive things to say about meatloaf, why haven't I baked one?

So let's solve this problem of being meatloafless, shall we?

Step 1: Get a glass loaf dish (Glass bakes evenly, food doesn't tend to stick to it, and heck - it allows you to take great pictures of your food).

Step 2: Get a recipe. I sent a tweet to one of our favorite food writers, Cynthia O'Connor O'Hara, The Harried Housewife (she does on-air cooking spots and a column for NBC-WKTV News Channel 2 - Utica, NY).

*Mix well. I of course always use glass mixing bowls. Always use a non-metal mixing utensil, or your hands. I went for the hand option, because my mother told me to. I would like to put it on the record that "I regret this 'hand mixing' experience entirely."

*Pat the mixture into your loaf pan. Don't be afraid of smushing it into those corners, glass bakes very evenly.

*WASH YOUR HANDS AGAIN.

*Pop that beatiful meatloaf into the oven for 45 minutes (should be preheated to 350 by now).

*Get to making the tangy sauce for the top! Mix your ketchup, mustard and brown sugar together.

*Image Courtesy of CR
I made the sauce in one of our 7-Cup Round Storage Bowls. This product comes in handy a lot when you have some down time in cooking. Just throw on the lid and even refrigerate or freeze if need be.

*When your 45 minutes are up put a soft pot holder, silicon trivet or towels out on the counter.

*Put the meatloaf dish onto your soft, dry surface.

*Pour the sauce you created onto the top.

*Return the dish to the oven for about 15 more minutes.

*YOU'RE DONE!

*Image Courtesy of CR

Serve up your beautiful meatloaf, it should make about 8 servings. I served myself, my husband and my best friend, then put the rest into little Anchor Hocking glass storage containers for lunches and dinners.

*Image Courtesy of CR

**Side note: I also whipped up some caramelized carrots to go with it. Delicious combo.

The Harried Housewife I putting together a new recipe book! You should keep your eyes peeled for it! She is such a joy to talk to about food, we are just sure you'll love her! This meatloaf recipe will also be in the book!

No matter who you need a Valentine's day surprise for we've got you covered. Whether you need a unique twist for a son who doesn't take well to frills and pink hearts, or a gal pal who needs a pick me up we've scoured the web for fast and clever ideas!

Take inspiration from Martha Stewart. Use large vases or trifle bowls or punch bowls to fill with conversation hearts or cinnamon candies as filler for floral arrangements.

Kid friendly ideas for Valentine's Day

From right to left: 1 - Milk in a cocktail glass with a cookie on the rim via Party Starters. 2. Adorable milk and cookies party using jars and cake plates for displays with giant colorful balloons from Creative Party Place. 3 - For the little guy or gal who doesn't care for the ruffle filled details of this holiday fill a cookie jar full of toys, in this case Lego pieces.

Don't waste time! Get these Valentine's Day looks started with Anchorware via the Anchor Online Store! www.anchoronline.com

THE BIG DEAL!When you spend $50 or more at the Anchor Online Store you can receive our Vienna Champagne Flute (4pc Set) for FREE. Simply add the Vienna Champagne Flutes to your cart and continue shopping until you've reached $50 in merchandise! Flute price will be immediately deducted from your total, no coupon code necessary. Know someone who needs some bubbly? Share the love and tell friends and family (also look for our advertisement on our Facebook page to share!)!

Do you have some great ideas on how to use Anchorware for Valentine's Day gifts? Let us know!

At Anchor Hocking, our product development group is constantly studying trends, where they were, where they are and where they'll be next.

We wanted to share a rather fun and energetic trend that has taken over. This trend has many offshoots, but begins with plaid.

Whether looking at shower themes, tee shirt designs, table linens or accessories, we can't help but notice a variety of items that have a lumberjack feel to them. Mixtures of country, outdoor themes, plaid and masculine products have made their way into every crack and crevasee of the design world.

We're always finding creative uses of our ware on Facebook, blogs and Etsy. This time we've stumbled upon the lovely works created by Treasure Again.

Well the time changed, and now its dark out before you're ready to leave the outdoors! We've found the perfect fall outdoor accessory to light the night for you.

*Images Courtesy of TREASURE AGAIN

A big huge thank you goes out to Treasure Again, for taking the time to chat with us and continuing to find inspiring ways to use our ware.

Wondering how you can use the Pumpkin Jar around your house? Take some tips from the artist of Treasure Again herself, "We have used them for Halloween decorations in the past years, simply by putting items in the Pumpkin Jar, and setting them out for display. Also, for our Halloween parties, we have served jello, or many other foods in it, on the party table. I think I even used the glass pumpkin in a Halloween party spooky display, making it look like there were body part or eyeballs floating in the jar. I have also just added a short string of lights in the jar, to add glow to a display."

A whole line up of these little pumpkins on a buffet table full of fall delights would surely impress at Thanksgiving.

To get yourself a a plain Pumpkin Jar or six, be sure to check out our online store!

We asked you delivered! We wanted to see how you put your Anchorware to use, and my goodness did we get some great responses! Charlotte of The Paper Cupcake shared with us her beautiful images from her Happy Halloween Printable Collection photoshoot.

Charlotte uses our Heritage Hill Jars to hold bulk candy and treats. She dresses them up with her custom labels and wraps! We're so proud that our jar can be the canvas for such creativity!

Recently Amy Atlas set up a beautiful display of treats and fanciful decorations at an event for Electrolux with Kelly Ripa! This is just one of the many lovely images on her blog, where she's written all about the details it takes to put on such an event.

What makes us like her events so very much? She uses Anchor Hocking Heritage Hill Jars! See those beauties? Imagine the dessert tables one could create with a bunch of those!

Check out Anchor Hocking's full line up of storage jars for your next party and take some inspiration from Amy!

An easy way to do this is bringing in a small plant or two. We've found that Anchor employees have some pretty innovative planter solutions. They love using Anchor glass because of its natural and eco-friendly qualities. Even more so, they love using things in new and different ways to create conversation and spur ideas.

Using two of our Contemporary Bowls for a planter. You could do this and put small decorative items between the small and large bowl, like rocks, buttons, scrabble pieces or vintage trinkets.

Two of our measuring cups used as planters. Perfect use for someone who has acquired a measuring cup but rarely cooks!

Retro Anchorware gets put to good use around the office, this one sprouting new life.*Images Courtesy of CR

Decorating a bathroom presents many challenges. Many deal with lack of space, little to no storage, moisture control of decorative items, organization and personalization.

By juxtaposing personal touches with storage jars you can create a seamless vignette. That’s where Anchor comes in. We have a wide variety of storage solutions for the home. You can buy several of one kind, or collect an array of styles for a more eclectic feel.

If you have limited space:
Find shelves that fit your style and load up on Anchor storage containers. Using a variety of storage containers can create visual depth to any space. Our classic storage jars hold cue-tips and cotton balls perfectly and tall and skinny containers are helpful in narrow spaces.

*Image Courtesy of CR

The square stacking jars allow you to choose from three different sizes while still in the same footprint.The polished metal also matches more modern fixtures.

The Bamboo Hourglass has a more contemporary shape and the lid has a rubber gasket to prevent moisture build up. The lid also works well with a variety of wood accents.

The Heritage Hill jars are all glass and offer a classic general store style.

The Cracker Jar with its threaded metal lid has a more feminine feel.

If you travel a lot:
Miniature hotel soaps and shampoos make an interesting collection in our cracker jars (they also come in handy for guests).

Recently, I was at a resale shop in the Columbus downtown area and found these vintage British bird book plates someone was selling and the notion of vintage birds got me thinking how that would be an excellent decorated glass.
Here are a few finds that caught my eye while I was looking up vintage birds. Looks like a few people are selling real vintage bird illustrations and nick knacks on Etsy. I also was amazed to find the number of retro styled vintage bird art that was being talked about on blogs.
Lastly, I was even more surprised to find that Anchor used to make Fire-King milk glass bird coffee cups. A few others and myself headed to the archives and found the actual glasses and from there I set out recreating these little gems. But, I thought I would share my inspiration and I will keep you updated on the vintage birds.

Anchorware Everywhere"Put spools of ribbon and colorful peppermint sticks in jars for a useful and cheery display." That's what Country Living suggests to create quick and easy holiday decor using our Heritage Hill Jar. We think they've got the right idea.

Anchorware Everywhere
I found a great blog titled, Ordinary but Interesting. The writer stumbled upon our pumpkin jar at a local target.

"I wasn’t looking for a candy jar, in fact I didn’t know I needed one, but when my eyes spied this sitting on the top shelf of a seasonal dishware display, I was pretty sure that a pumpkin shaped glass candy jar was needed in order to make my life complete," says the New England blogger.

Instructions
1. For feathers, cut four each of three colors 4" x 1/2"
2. Build feathers one at a time; alternate colors, leaving 1" between each of the three colors. Glue together at the bottom. Repeat three times for a total of 12 feathers.
3. Fan the four groups of feathers as shown; glue together at base of feathers
4. Velcro feathers to front of cruet
5. Repeat process above for tail feathers using 3 - 3inch, 3 2 1/2 inch and 3 -2 inch.
6. Attach with Velcro circle under the cruet handle
7. Using pattern, cut out turkey face and hat, glue together as shown. Glue candy eye in place.
8. Fold beak in half and glue one side on to the face.
9. Attach face to cruet lid with Velcro circle
10. Cut one additional 4" x 1/2" feather (color of your choice), personalize and add to feathers
11. Fill with candy and enjoy!